Pope Leo XIV Marks 1,700 Years Since the Council of Nicaea in Turkey

IZNIK, TURKEY — In a significant and memorable event, Pope Leo XIV met with Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I and various Christian leaders on Friday at Lake Iznik to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. This gathering took place at the historical site of the 325 A.D. council that laid the foundation for the widely embraced Nicaean Creed, emphasizing a common faith among Christian denominations.

The pope arrived via helicopter from Istanbul, welcomed by the evocative call to prayer from a nearby mosque, emphasizing the interfaith context of the gathering. Representatives from Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Coptic, Armenian, Syrian, and Anglican churches participated in prayers over the newly revealed stone foundations of the Basilica of Saint Neophytos, thought to be the original council site.

A Prayer for Unity

The ceremony featured alternating Catholic and Orthodox hymns, fostering a reflective atmosphere centered on common beliefs. Pope Leo referred to the Nicaean Creed as “the essential core of the Christian faith,” highlighting its ongoing significance in bridging gaps between Christians despite centuries of divisions that followed the Great Schism of 1054.

Local Perspectives

Although many residents acknowledged the historical and spiritual importance of the occasion, reactions varied. Suleyman Bulut, a 35-year-old local, expressed support for the gathering, suggesting that Muslims should honor religious heritage globally. Conversely, shopkeeper Hasan Maral shared feelings of discomfort, illustrating the nuanced religious sentiments in predominantly Sunni Muslim Turkey.

Support for the Catholic Community in Turkey

Prior to his visit to Iznik, Pope Leo engaged with Istanbul's small Catholic community, encouraging them to find strength in their minority status. His visit included the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit and a nursing home operated by the Little Sisters of the Poor, where he personally interacted with residents, offering blessings and words of kindness.

Pope Leo’s itinerary also includes ecumenical meetings and interfaith interactions, with visits planned to the Blue Mosque and a Mass at Istanbul’s Volkswagen Arena. This journey exemplifies the Vatican’s sustained commitment to promoting dialogue, respect, and unity among Christians while also engaging with diverse faith communities.